Aryna Sabalenka demonstrated resilience in Wuhan, staging a comeback to defeat Rebecca Sramkova in her initial competition following her US Open victory.
The top-ranked player globally secured her foremost Grand Slam title of the year in New York, successfully defending her championship as she overcame Amanda Anisimova in the decisive match.
However, in her first contest in over a month, Sabalenka’s performance was initially marked by numerous errors, and she encountered challenges with the forceful play of Slovakia’s Sramkova, who holds the 68th position in the global rankings.
Despite conceding the first set, she regained composure in the second before dominating the third, ultimately securing a 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 triumph.
“I anticipated a challenging return to rhythm after the break [following the US Open], but I am pleased to have rediscovered my game in the second set. I took initiative and performed exceptionally well,” Sabalenka remarked.
“I must acknowledge that she displayed incredible tennis, particularly in the first set, leaving me with limited options.”
Sabalenka is the reigning champion in Wuhan for the third time, having previously won in 2018 and 2019, and again in 2024 following the tournament’s three-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
When questioned about being referred to as the “Daughter of Wuhan,” Sabalenka responded: “Initially, I was ‘Daughter of China,’ then ‘Queen of Fried Rice’ [a nickname she attributes to her fondness for the dish].
“Subsequently, I spoke with [China’s world number 10 Zheng] Qinwen, and they actually call me ‘Tiger.’ There are numerous nicknames.
“I have been victorious in several tournaments here, and it feels like home. I aspire to progress all the way.”
Receiving a bye into the second round, Sabalenka exhibited frustration as she struggled with her serve, with a series of double faults granting Sramkova an early advantage.
The Slovakian player mirrored Sabalenka’s aggressive style, defeating the top seed with powerful, deep shots to the baseline and formidable serves, securing the first set 6-4.
However, Sabalenka eventually regained her rhythm, striking first in the second set and defending against multiple break points to establish a 5-2 lead, ultimately forcing a decisive set.
With increased momentum, the four-time major champion asserted control in the third set, securing two breaks and saving four additional break points at 5-1 before clinching the victory with another service break.
Sabalenka will compete against Liudmila Samsonova, following the Russian’s victory over former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin with a score of 3-6, 6-3, 6-1.
Earlier, Coco Gauff advanced smoothly to the third round, securing a 51-minute win against Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima, who managed to win only five points on the American third seed’s serve.
Sixth seed Jessica Pegula narrowly avoided an upset in the second round, winning 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (8-6) after capitalizing on her seventh match point in a demanding two hour and 55 minute encounter with fellow American and world number 55 Hailey Baptiste.
Pegula will next face Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova, while Gauff is scheduled to play Shuai Zhang, the world number 142 who triumphed over Romania’s Sorana Cirstea.
Japan’s four-time major winner Naomi Osaka suffered a defeat of 7-6 (7-2), 6-3 against Czech Linda Noskova, the world number 17 who is continuing her impressive form during the Asian swing after reaching the final of the China Open earlier in the month.
Concurrently, the persistent heat and humidity continued to pose challenges for certain players, with Czech 12th seed Karolina Muchova being compelled to retire while trailing 7-6 (7-1), 4-1 against Poland’s Magdalena Frech.
